Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this mature action-drama isn't for young kids (even though Leo lovers may want to see it). It's extremely violent, with frequent scenes of war and abusive labor practices (villagers' hands are chopped off and mineworkers are shot dead for disobeying orders). Weapons include guns, machetes, knives, grenades, missiles, Molotov cocktails, and AK-47s. Most upsetting: Young boys are kidnapped from their families and trained to kill, chanting "Shed their blood." The children also smoke cigarettes and drink. Displays of anger lead to arguments and fistfights. During a massacre scene, a body is thrown from a balcony, bodies spurt blood, and buildings explode. Characters drink frequently and smoke lots of cigarettes. Language includes many uses of "f--k" and one pronounced use of the African racist term "kaffir."
Sexual
Content
Villain reads Hustler; Solomon strips naked to show he's not carrying the diamond (his torso remains in shadow); mild flirting between leads and a moment of close dancing; mention of Bill Clinton's 1999 impeachment (as "blowjobs-gate"); some shots show cleavage.
Violence
Constant stream of grenades, explosions, shooting, missile fire, whacking with machetes; frequent bloody bodies visible; children who have been kidnapped and conscripted as "soldiers" shoot and are shot; dismemberment (arm chopped off explicitly); prisoners in rough cages; militia members ride through towns in Jeeps, shooting at everyone in sight; children frightened and appalled by sight of dead parents; Dia (Solomon's son) is traumatized and trained to kill on command; goat's neck cut open, with diamonds hidden inside (bloody); massacre scene leaves many bloody bodies in street; Danny pulls a cap off a corpse to use as a disguise, then reveals he's a stone-cold assassin, killing several men efficiently.
Language
Frequent use of "f--k," one powerful use of "kaffir" (African equivalent of the "N" word), plus other language, such as "s--t" and "ass."
Social
Behavior
The movie offers strong messages about the consequences of the "conflict diamond" trade, but they're somewhat overshadowed by the characters' flaws and the constant peril and violence.
Consumerism
Young African soldier wears a Snoop Dogg T-shirt; mention of Baywatch (as sign of American freedom) and National Geographic.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Frequent cigarette smoking; several scenes in bars or showing social and hard drinking; during a long hike, Danny says he needs to "quit smoking."